Does caffeine affect fertility?

It might. Some studies have found a link between caffeine consumption and a woman's ability to conceive, while others have not. Most experts say there just isn't enough evidence to make a definite conclusion about caffeine and fertility.

Although researchers haven't been able to find a clear connection between moderate caffeine intake and fertility problems, it's generally considered safe to consume 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily while trying to conceive. That's up to two 8-ounce cups of coffee for a weak brew. If you get more than that, it might be a good idea to cut back.

Which foods and beverages contain caffeine?

Coffee is one, of course. The amount of caffeine in a serving of coffee varies widely, depending on the type of bean, how it's roasted, how it's brewed – and, obviously, on the size of the coffee cup. (For example, espresso contains more caffeine per ounce, but it's served in a tiny cup. So a full cup of brewed coffee will actually deliver more caffeine.)

To manage your caffeine intake, you'll need to be aware of other sources, like tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, and coffee ice cream. Caffeine also shows up in herbal products and over-the-counter drugs, including some headache, cold, and allergy remedies. Read labels carefully.

Amount of caffeine in common foods and beverages

Coffee

Amount

Caffeine

coffee, generic brewed

8 oz

95-200 mg

coffee, Starbucks brewed

16 oz

330 mg

coffee, Dunkin' Donuts brewed

16 oz

211 mg

caffé latte, misto, or cappuccino, Starbucks

16 oz

150 mg

caffé latte, misto, or cappuccino, Starbucks

12 oz

75 mg

espresso, Starbucks

1 oz (1 shot )

75 mg

espresso, generic

1 oz (1 shot)

64 mg

coffee, generic instant

1 tsp granules

31 mg

coffee, generic decaffeinated

8 oz

2 mg

Tea

Amount

Caffeine

black tea, brewed

8 oz

47 mg

green tea, brewed

8 oz

25 mg

black tea, decaffeinated

8 oz

2 mg

Starbucks Tazo Chai Tea latte

16 oz

95 mg

instant tea, unsweetened

1 tsp powder

26 mg

Snapple

16 oz

42 mg

Lipton Brisk iced tea

12 oz

5 mg

Soft drinks

Amount

Caffeine

Coke

12 oz

35 mg

Diet Coke

12 oz

47 mg

Pepsi

12 oz

38 mg

Diet Pepsi

12 oz

36 mg

Jolt Cola

12 oz

72 mg

Mountain Dew

12 oz

54 mg

7-Up

12 oz

0 mg

Sierra Mist

12 oz

0 mg

Sprite

12 oz

0 mg

Energy drinks

Amount

Caffeine

Red Bull

8.3 oz

77 mg

SoBe Essential Energy, berry or orange

8 oz

48 mg

5-Hour Energy

2 oz

138 mg

How can I cut back on caffeine?

If you decide to drink less caffeine, cut back slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches.

You might want to start by switching to a drink that's half regular brew and half decaf. Or reduce the caffeine in homemade hot beverages by watering them down or brewing them for a shorter time. If you love to start your day with a cup of English Breakfast tea, steeping your tea bag for one minute instead of five reduces the caffeine by as much as half.

Once you've acclimated to life with little or no caffeine, you may find steamed milk with a shot of flavored syrup to be a nice coffee substitute – and the calcium will do you good.

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